This is what a Red Sox lineup could look like with Juan Soto

Here’s what a Red Sox lineup could look like with Juan Soto, originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

We don’t use the term “generational talent” loosely, but Juan Soto certainly brings nuance.

At just 26 years old, Soto already has a batting title and a World Series ring, and he’s coming off the best season of his career with the Yankees.

He would make any lineup instantly credible, and as the Red Sox remain in contention for his services, it’s worth examining how manager Alex Cora might deploy this perennial MVP candidate in a new batting order that would be immediately centered . around this modern version of David Ortiz.

1. Jarren Duran, FK

Duran just finished eighth in AL MVP voting after leading the league in doubles and triples. While it’s fair to question whether 2024 marked a true breakthrough or an 8-WAR outlier, the Red Sox would be safe betting on the former, since Duran had hinted at that type of production in 2023 before A freak injury ended his season.

Not since Mookie Betts in 2019 have the Red Sox been able to land a leadoff hitter as dynamic as Duran.

2. Rafael Devers, 3B

While that’s where Soto spent most of last year in New York, it’s also the spot in the order where Devers did most of his damage. And while there will come a time when the Red Sox will have to stop making decisions based on Devers’ feelings, it’s also true that his comfort matters, and hitting in front of Soto is likely the best position to thrive.

3. Juan Soto, FL

And now, the transformation. The Red Sox were by no means a bad offensive team last year; they finished third in the American League in scoring. Even if they did nothing else, Soto could once again make this an 800 point attack on his own.

Include him for between 125 and 150 walks, 30 to 40 home runs and a penchant for the dramatic that made him a lifetime .326 hitter in the World Series. He was the Nationals’ best hitter at age 20 when they won it all in 2019, and unlike teammate Aaron Judge, he didn’t falter last October against the Dodgers.

Soto has all the mental and physical tools to anchor a lineup for a decade. It appears the Red Sox are willing to pay for that level of certainty.

4. Story of Trevor, SS

After three left-handed hitters, we need a right-handed hitter. History is the best bet, but it’s still a gamble. The Red Sox have little to show for their $140 million investment so far thanks to injuries, but if Story can stay healthy, he has the potential to carry offense for stretches, as he has proven during a May of 32 RBIs in 2022.

No one on the team works harder and Story wants to take a leadership role. But that will require a full season, and at 32, he might not have that in him.

5. Triston Casas, 1B

From a pure talent standpoint, Casas should clean house. Everything about him screams it, from his imposing stature to his prodigious power. Because Casas is yet another left-handed bat in a lineup full of them, Cora will likely try to create separation.

There has been talk of trading Casas for pitching, but that seems shortsighted. He has 40 homers left to play and he won’t turn 25 until January.

6. Masataka Yoshida, DH

The Red Sox can do better than Yoshida at the designated hitter position, and they should explore ways to jettison him, even if it requires eating up a large portion of the approximately $55 million remaining on his contract.

In a perfect world, they would move him to make room for Devers or Casas at DH before acquiring a defensive upgrade at third base. But spending $600 million on Soto could prevent them from finding the right person and therefore maintaining the status quo.

7. Kristian Campbell, 2B

OK, vaunted group of prospects, it’s time to go. The first guy might actually be Campbell, last year’s star who went from a relatively nondescript fourth-rounder to an overall top-10 prospect.

Although scouts are mixed on his ability to stay on the field long term, Campbell’s right-handed bat slots most cleanly at second base. Campbell moved up three levels last year, finishing at Triple-A. Next stop is Boston.

8. Romain Anthony, RF

There is consensus that Anthony needs more seasoning in the minor leagues, but let’s assume the Red Sox trade Gold Glove right fielder Wiyer Abreu for a pitcher to create another outfield opening . While it could certainly come down to Campbell, why treat Anthony with kid gloves?

He is Baseball America’s No. 1 prospect and has already spent parts of two seasons at Double-A. He’s only 20 years old, but that hasn’t stopped other organizations from summoning their top prospects. The Brewers gave No. 1 prospect Jackson Chourio 148 games at age 20 this year, and he ended up earning some downside MVP votes.

9. Connor Wong, C.

Everyone on the Kyle Teel train should remember that the Red Sox already have a decent young catcher on the roster.

While it’s true that Wong slumped after a borderline All-Star first half, it’s also true that the 28-year-old is one of the most athletic receivers in the game, with potential of 20 circuits. Unlike Teel, he is also right-handed and the lineup needs some balance.